WhatsApp Adds Additional Protection with Strict Account Settings

LidahTekno, JAKARTA – Meta has once again strengthened the security aspect of WhatsApp through the presence of a new feature called Strict Account Settings. This feature is designed as an extra layer of protection to reduce the risk of cyber attacks, especially from unknown parties who often target users via messages, calls or malicious links.

Strict Account Settings works by locking a number of WhatsApp functions to more private settings. When the feature is activated, WhatsApp will automatically block files and attachments from unknown senders, as well as mute calls from numbers not saved in contacts. Not only that, link previews are also disabled to prevent phishing traps.

The system will limit large numbers of messages from foreign accounts, so that potential spam can be suppressed from the start. Protection is strengthened with automatic activation of two-step verification as well as security notifications if a contact’s security code changes. In this mode, the visibility of account information is also narrowed. The “last seen” status, online status, profile photo, and “about” column can only be seen by the user’s contacts.

Additions to groups are also limited—only contacts, or certain selected people, can add users to WhatsApp groups. Meta said this “lockdown” style feature is aimed primarily at journalists, activists and public figures who are at high risk of becoming targets of digital attacks.

“Accounts are locked to a more private setting and interactions with parties outside the contact will have limitations,” explains Meta. Users can activate Strict Account Settings via Settings > Privacy > Advanced on the main device. Settings cannot be changed via WhatsApp Web or the desktop application.

Some important things changed by Strict Account Settings include:

• Blocking files and attachments from unknown senders – This feature prevents users from receiving malicious files that may come from untrusted sources.
• Mute calls from unsaved numbers – Reduces interference from unwanted calls and increases user privacy.
• Disabled link preview – Prevent users from getting caught in phishing links that could threaten the security of their accounts.
• Limitation on the number of messages from foreign accounts – Helps reduce spam and improve user experience.
• Two-step verification activates automatically – Adds an additional layer of security to protect accounts from unauthorized access.
• Restrictions on visibility of account information – Only contacts can see status, profile photos and other information.
• Restrictions on adding to groups – Only selected contacts or people can add users to groups.

Interestingly, the launch of this feature coincided with a lawsuit regarding WhatsApp’s privacy claims. Responding to these accusations, WhatsApp Head Will Cathcart emphasized that the lawsuit was baseless and only sought public attention.

This Strict Account Settings feature is an important step in Meta’s efforts to maintain user security, especially for those who are often targets of digital attacks. With this feature, users can feel safer when using WhatsApp in an environment that is increasingly complex and vulnerable to cyber threats.